Noise or Sound

Have you ever noticed the tremendous amount of noise that surrounds you every day?  At home you may hear the noise of your washing machine, refrigerator, furnace, freezer or clothes dryer.  At work you may hear the noise of people talking, cars buzzing by, telephones ringing, or airplanes flying overhead.  In your quiet time you may even hear the noise of a ticking clock, a noise already suggested, or the noise of nothing at all.

The most common use of the word “noise” is an unwanted sound or it may be described as a sound that is loud, unpleasant, unexpected, or undesired.  The word “noise” seems to be quite different than the word “sound” because it is something that is more specific and distinctive.  For example, when I hear the sound of a honking horn it may be a sound that is warning me about something that I need to heed.  However, if the sound of the horn continues it becomes an annoying noise and something that is unwanted.

When have you last listened for a sound and were grateful to God for it?  Maybe it was the sound of a bird chirping, the sound of a baby crying, the sound of music when expressed in worship to God, or the sound of someone saying “thank you.”

It is interesting that the word “noise” occurs 20 times in my electronic New International Version of the Bible while the word “sound” occurs 125 times.  If there is to be meaning and understanding from a sound, that sound must be distinct.  The Bible reminds us, “If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8).  Sometimes we are so busy with our activities that noise is ever-present and we neglect hearing the sounds that are quiet and meaningful.

The prophet Elijah discovered God’s voice in quietness.  “After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12).  Where are you when it comes to noise and sounds?  Is the noise getting the best of you, or are you listening for sounds that cause you to express praise to God?  What about your quiet time?  Are you spending time in the presence of God where you are able to hear the sound of His gentle whisper that causes you to respond to Him in a meaningful way?